'Oh, thank you, Sir, but—'
The pair smiled again at each other. Sir William understood, and smiled too. A more engaging couple he thought he had never seen. The young man was not exactly handsome, but he had a pair of charming hazel eyes, a good-tempered mouth, and a really fine brow. He was tall too, and well proportioned, and looked the pick of physical fitness. 'Just the kind of splendid stuff we are sending out by the ship-load,' thought the elder man, with a pang of envy—'And the girl's lovely!'
She was at that moment bowing to him, as she followed her husband across the road. A thought occurred to Sir William, and he pursued her.
'I wonder—' he said diffidently—'if you care for boating—if you would like to boat on the lake—'
'Oh, but it isn't allowed!' She turned on him a pair of astonished eyes.
'Not in general. Ah, I see you know these parts already. But I happen to know the owner of the boathouse. Shall I get you leave?'
'Oh, that would be delightful!' she said, her face kindling with a child's joyousness. 'That is kind of you! Our name is Sarratt—my husband is Lieutenant Sarratt.'
—'Of the 21st Lanchesters? All right—I'll see to it!'
And he ran back to his car, while the young people disappeared into the little entrance hall of the lodging-house, and the door shut upon them.
Miss Farrell received her brother with gibes. Trust William for finding out a beauty! Who were they?